Hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a zipper

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to a hooded garment. More particularly, the invention encompasses a hooded garment, such as, a hoodie, with an integrated turtle neck or tubular collar having a zipper. The invention further includes the option of the garment having one or more content sleeves and/or one or more pouches or pockets.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a hooded garment. More particularly, the invention encompasses a hooded garment, such as, a hoodie, with an integrated turtle neck or tubular collar having a zipper. The invention further includes the option of the garment having one or more content sleeves and/or one or more pouches or pockets.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Since of advent of time human beings have worn various types of clothing to protect themselves from the elements. Some of these clothing have been directed to a cold weather climate, while others to hot weather conditions, and still others to moderate or intermediate temperature environments.

It is well know in the art that many types of cool or cold weather apparel exist for protecting a wearer's body, especially, the upper torso, including coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, and other similar outerwear. In many cases, different items of apparel may be worn together, such as a coat and a hat, to improve the overall protection for the wearer. Similarly, certain apparel may combine features, such as a coat liner or removable hood, to increase the circumstances in which the apparel might be appropriately used.

It is also well known that a significant percentage of a person's body heat is radiated through his or her head. For this reason, various apparel exist that are designed to cover the head and neck when worn. Among these various items of apparel include face mask, hats, caps, knitted hats, and others. As discussed generally above, at least some of these head and neck protections have been combined with coats and jackets.

In addition to separate apparel, in some designs, outerwear may include combinations of protective elements in an integrated design. For example, some coats, jackets, sweaters, include a hood that is integrally formed or is removable. This allows the user to cover the head and neck when exposed to the elements and lower (or remove) the hood when not needed.

In addition to the face and head, protection of the neck is also a desired objective in cool and cold weather garments. For example, scarves are traditionally worn to protect the neck of a wearer during cool or cold weather. The combination of a scarf with a jacket has proven effective in creating a wind barrier for protecting the entire upper torso of a user and to maintain body heat within the combination.

In this same regard, circular knitted fabric collars, commonly known as “turtleneck” collars have been used in other apparel for similar purposes. In essence, the collar comprises a tube formed of porous stretchable knitted fabric connected to a primary garment which covers the torso of the wearer. Not withstanding the collar's stylistic desirability, the turtleneck, similar to the scarf, provides a barrier to prevent wind and other elements from the neck and torso of the user.

However, current apparel designs require wearing combinations of multiple cool and cold weather protection since one garment alone may not be comfortably worn or provide the desired protection needed in a range of temperatures. Depending on the circumstances, users may combine face masks, hooded garments, scarves, turtleneck shirts, long underwear and other garments in combination as a defense against the elements. This is both inconvenient and expensive.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,269,491 (Paul Snyder), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a sports sweater which may be worn under a coat and has a collar which stands up and fits snugly about the neck.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,302,710 (Thomas, et al.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a garment for protecting the head and neck of a user including a garment body with a neck opening. A hood attached to the garment body. A stretchable tubular knitted collar, attached to the garment body approximate to the neck opening of the garment body and inside at least a portion of the hood.

Even with these improvements, a need exists for an improved hooded garment.

Thus a need exists for a hooded garment that has features that protect the neck area as desired by a user or wearer.

This invention overcomes the problems of the prior art. The invention provides a hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper.

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel hooded garment.

Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a novel hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide a hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper and has at least one sleeve or pouch or pocket for contents.

Yet another purpose of this invention is to have a hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper where the zipper extends from a first position to a second position along the front of the hooded garment.

Still, yet another purpose of this invention is to have a hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper, where a pocket or pouch is provided along a portion of the inside of the hooded garment.

Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a hooded garment that has a retractable hood and an integrated stretchable tubular collar or a turtle neck having a zipper, where at least one pouch or pocket is provided along at least one sleeve of the hooded garment.

Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a garment, comprising:

(a) a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves;

(b) a retractable hood attached by stitching to said garment body;

(c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous enclosed surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom edge attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of the circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a second position; and

(d) wherein said stretchable tubular collar has at least one zipper extending along a vertical path from a first position to a second position, so that said stretchable tubular collar is in an first position when said zipper is in a first position, and said stretchable tubular collar is in a second position when said zipper is in a second position, and wherein said first position of said zipper is different than said second position of said zipper.

In another aspect this invention comprises a hooded sweatshirt, comprising:

(a) a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves;

(b) a retractable hood, adapted to be worn over a user's head, attached by stitching to the garment body;

(c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous enclosed surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom edge attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of the circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a second position; and

(d) wherein said stretchable tubular collar has at least one zipper extending along a vertical path from a first position to a second position, so that said stretchable tubular collar is in an first position when said zipper is in a first position, and said stretchable tubular collar is in a second position when said zipper is in a second position, and wherein said first position of said zipper is different than said second position of said zipper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention that are novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, like numbers represent like features in the drawings. The invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary hooded garment with an integrated tubular collar having a zipper which is used to illustrate a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated stretchable tubular collar 20, having a zip portion or zipper 22, which is used to illustrate a first embodiment 23, of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, which is a front view of a hoodie or a hooded garment 10, the hooded garment 10, has an integrally formed stretchable tubular collar 20, and a retractable hood 18. The hooded garment 10, also has sleeves 12, preferably long sleeves 12, attached to a central body portion or garment body 11.

The garment body 11, is designed to cover a substantial portion of the wearer's upper torso (not shown) and the arms of the wearer (not shown) are protected with the two long sleeved portions 12, for each arm. Each sleeve 12, has a sleeve opening that is well known in the art. It is preferred that one end of the long sleeves 12, is attached to a stretchable cuff 14, while the opposite end is attached to a portion of the garment body 11.

In one preferred embodiment, the hooded garment 10, may be formed of a tubular knitted fabric, such as a 2-end or 3-end fleece. Various patterning may be used to form the constitute elements of the hooded garment 10. For example, the garment body 11, may have front and rear main panels that are sewn together. Once combined, each of the sleeves 12, may be formed and sewn for later attachment to the combined front and rear panels.

The hooded garment 10, preferably has four openings, two openings for each of the two arms, a stretchable bottom opening 16, near the wearer's waist, and a neck opening for receiving the wearer's neck and head. The cuffs 14, and/or bottom opening 16, could have a material possessing sufficient elasticity to snugly, but not uncomfortably, fit a wearer.

A retractable hood 18, is preferably separately formed and is connected to the garment body 10, at around the front and back of the wearer. The hood 18, preferably has two openings: one for receiving the head and neck of the wearer, and a face opening for allowing the wearer to see through from the front of the hood 18.

The retractable hood 18, preferably includes at least one drawstring 26, which is routed through at least one sleeve or passage or channel along the periphery of the face opening of the hood 18. The wearer may reduce the effective size of the face opening of the hood 18, by merely pulling the drawstring 26, and closing the frontal opening of the retractable hood 18. This reduction of the frontal opening of the retractable hood 18, provides a greater form of protection to the wearer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the garment 23, also includes a stretchable tubular collar 20, having an integrated zipper 22. The stretchable tubular collar 20, can be formed of a circular knitted fabric that may be the same fabric used to form the hood 18, and/or body portion 11, and/or long sleeves 12. It is also possible for the tubular collar 20, to be of a different fabric or material. For example, the tubular collar 20, could be formed of a material having a softer feel than the remainder of the garment 23. An important feature of the stretchable tubular collar 20, is that it possesses sufficient elasticity to snugly, but not uncomfortably, fit about the neck (and/or face) of the wearer, especially, when it is in its full extended position. Another important feature of the stretchable tubular collar 20, is that it has at least one zipper 22, that originates at a first position 29, such as, from the bottom portion or edge of the tubular collar 20, and terminates at a second position, such as, the upper portion or edge of the tubular collar 20.

Once created, the retractable hood 18, and the tubular collar 20, are positioned about the entire neck opening and sewn in place such that the zip portion 22, of the tubular collar 20, faces the frontal opening of the retractable hood 18. As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the retractable hood 18, about the neck opening overlaps with tubular collar 20, such that a V-shaped opening 19, in the body portion 11, overlaps and covers the end portion 29, of the tubular collar 20, and the zipper 22. It is preferred that the stretchable tubular collar 20, is attached to at least a portion of the garment body 11, around the neck opening area and inside at least a portion of the retractable hood 18, such that the upper portion of the hooded garment 10, has only one neck opening for the passage of wearer's head, face and neck.

This invention allows the wearer to cover their head and neck but still see through a face opening or to open the front portion of the tubular collar 20, or any other similar combination. The retractable hood 18, is dimensioned such that the wearer may place the hood 18, on their head, and completely extend the tubular collar 20, around the neck and a portion of the face, and it would still not interfere with the ability of the user to clearly see through the face opening in the retractable hood 18.

The tubular collar 20, is dimensioned to extend between a retracted position and an extended position. This retraction and extension of the tubular collar 20, can be done with the zip portion 22, either in the open or close position. As shown in FIG. 1, the tubular collar 20, is in an extended position below the face of a wearer and about the wearer's neck. The combination of having the retractable hood 18, in an up position with the tubular collar 20, in a extended position, protects the wearer's head and neck, while leaving the face of the wearer exposed.

A person skilled in the art can fully appreciate that the retractable tubular collar 20, and the retractable hood 18, may be used in various combinations to expand the acceptable range of usage for the inventive garment 23.

The body portion 11, of the hooded garment 10, could optionally have a central pocket or sleeve 25, having openings 27, 28, attached to the front of the garment 10, for placing of contents, such as, for example, hands.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated stretchable tubular collar 30, having a zip portion or zipper 32, which is used to illustrate a second embodiment 33, of the present invention. The hooded garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23, shown in FIG. 1, except that the zipper 32, extends along the body portion 31, of the hooded garment 10, from a first position 39, such as, the bottom opening 39, or the bottom edge 36, of the hooded garment 10, to a second position, such as, upper edge of the tubular collar 30. As one can see that the tubular collar 30, is joined to the body portion 31, of the hooded garment 10, around the neck area 34. For some applications the body portion 31, could have pockets or pouches or sleeves 25, having openings 37, 38, for contents, such as, hands.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated stretchable tubular collar 40, having a zipper or zip portion 42, which is used to illustrate a third embodiment 43, of the present invention. The hooded garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23, shown in FIG. 1, except that the zipper 42, extends along the body portion 11, of the hooded garment 10, from a first position 49, such as, the upper middle area of the body portion 11, or the wearer's chest area of the hooded garment 10, to a second position, such as, upper edge of the tubular collar 40. As one can see that the tubular collar 40, is joined and integrated with the body portion 11, of the hooded garment 10, below the neck area 49, such that both V-shaped opening 19, and the first position 49, of the zipper 42, overlap and integrate around area 19 and 49. For some applications the body portion 11, could have at least one pocket or pouch or sleeve 46, having at least one flap 45, for at least one opening 41, for contents. The opening 41, could also have a re-sealable closure 41, such as, for example, a zipper 41, Velcro 41, a snap-type button 41, a slider 41, to name a few. The pocket 46, could optionally have openings 47, 48, for the placement of contents, such as, for example, a wearer's hands.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated tubular collar 30, having a zipper 32, which is used to illustrate a fourth embodiment 53, of the present invention. The hooded garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23, shown in FIG. 1, except that the zipper 32, extends along the body portion 31, of the hooded garment 10, from a first position 39, such as, the bottom opening 39, or the bottom edge 36, of the hooded garment 10, to a second position, such as, upper edge of the tubular collar 30. As one can see that the tubular collar 30, is joined to the body portion 31, of the hooded garment 10, around the neck area 34. For some applications the body portion 31, could have pockets or pouches or sleeves 57, 58, having openings from the top, for contents. One could also have at least one pocket or pouch or sleeve 55, which is strategically placed inside the hooded garment 10. For some applications it may be desirable to have at least one pocket or pouch or sleeve 51, which is strategically placed along the sleeve 12, of the hooded garment 10.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary hooded garment 10, with an integrated tubular collar 60, having a zipper or zip portion 62, which is used to illustrate a fifth embodiment 63, of the present invention. The hooded garment 10, is similar to the embodiment 23, shown in FIG. 1, except that the zipper 62, extends along the body portion or garment body 61, of the hooded garment 10, from a first position 69, such as, above a pocket or sleeve 66, to a second position, such as, upper edge of the stretchable tubular collar 60. As one can see that the tubular collar 60, is joined and integrated with the body portion 61, of the hooded garment 10, at around area 69, such that the V-shaped opening 19, of the hooded garment and the area 69, allow the zipper 62, to travel from a first position 69, of the zipper 62, which is around the integrated area 19 and 69, to a second position which is to the upper edge of the tubular collar 60. For some applications the body portion 61 or garment body 61, could have at least one pocket or pouch or sleeve 66, having at least one ornamental-type opening 67, 68, for contents. The pocket or pouch or sleeve 66, could also have a second zipper 2, along at least one edge of the pocket or sleeve 66. For some applications one could also have a belt 64 or at least one second drawstring 64. It is preferred that the second drawstring 64, is below the end 69, of the zipper 62, so as to further allow a more loose or snug fitting of the lower portion of the hooded garment 10, as desired by a wearer, and this could be done by drawing the ends of the second drawstring 64, closer for a tighter fit or loosening the ends of the second drawstring 64, for a more looser fit.

The material for the hooded garment 23, 33, 43, 53, 63 could be selected from a group comprising, a wool material, a cotton material, a nylon-type material, a fire-retardant material, a moisture absorbing material, a synthetic material, fleece material, to name a few.

It should be appreciated that in one application the combination of the retractable hood 18, with a stretchable tubular collar 20, enables the wearer to cover a substantial portion of their head and neck and also to prevent migration of cold air, rain, snow or other elements from entering the neck opening. While in a another application the combination of the retractable hood 18, with a stretchable tubular collar 20, enables the wearer to lower or open the zipper 22, to allow the exposure of the neck area to the elements. While in yet another application the combination of the retractable hood 18, with a stretchable tubular collar 20, enables the wearer to lower or open the zipper 22, and retract the retractable hood 18, so as to allow the exposure of the neck, face and head area to the elements.

For some applications the retractable hood 18, could have a brim of a cap so as to allow a user a greater protection of their face.

The retractable hood 18, and the circular or tubular collar 20, could be created as an integral unit and then attached to the garment body 11, or the tubular collar 20, could be positioned inside the retractable hood 18, and the combination of the two elements could be sewn about the neck opening of the main body portion of the garment 10.

For some applications the tubular collar 20, could be positioned within the retractable hood 18, prior to the sewing operation, and the combination could be sewn to the garment body 11, about the neck opening in a single step which would save time and would be more cost efficient.

This invention having an integrally formed combination of a garment body 10, 11, a stretchable tubular collar 20, and a retractable hood 18, allows a user to adjust the garment 23, for wearing in a wider range of conditions and temperatures than conventional apparel.

It should be appreciated that the garment body 11, sleeves 12, stretchable cuffs 14, stretchable bottom 16, retractable hood 18, stretchable tubular collar 20, zipper 22, and pocket 25, could be of the same color or of a different color or a combination thereof. Similarly, the material for the various components of the hooded garment 23, could be of the same material or of a different material or a combination thereof.

As stated earlier, the first position of the zipper could be selected from a group comprising of an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position. Similarly, the second position of the zipper could be selected from a group comprising of an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position, to name a few.

Similarly, the first position of the zipper could be selected from a group comprising of an upper edge of the tubular collar, a lower edge of the tubular collar, an intermediate position along the tubular collar, an upper edge of the body portion, a lower edge of the body portion, and an intermediate position along the body portion, to name a few. However, for some applications the second position of the zipper could be selected from a group comprising of an upper edge of the tubular collar, a lower edge of the tubular collar, an intermediate position along the tubular collar, an upper edge of the body portion, a lower edge of the body portion, and an intermediate position along the body portion, to name a few.

It should be appreciated that the stretchable tubular collar is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck and at least a portion of the face of a wearer while the retractable hood is extended over a user's head. Similarly, the stretchable tubular collar is also dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck and at least a portion of the face of a wearer while the retractable hood is retracted from a user's head.

It is preferred that the bottom edge of the retractable hood is attached to the garment body along the entire neck opening, while for some applications the bottom edge of the stretchable tubular collar could be attached to the garment body along the entire neck opening.

For most applications the zipper is attached along the entire vertical length of the tubular collar. However, for some applications the zipper could be attached along the entire vertical length of the tubular collar, and as well as along at least a portion of the garment body.

For some applications the pocket 51, could include at least one device which is capable but is not limited to: GPS, electrical, positional, inertial, gravitational, magnetic, radiation, temperature, light, conventional radio communications, other radio frequency or electromagnetic radiation based communications and networking, conventional networking of the above, to name a few.

Similarly, for some applications the pocket 51, could include at least one device which is capable but is not limited to: health status (i.e. heart rate, temperature, skin conductivity, alive/dead, among others), and navigational awareness which can be incorporated by the inclusion of, for example, biological signs, inertial sensors, GPS receivers, to name a few.

While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A garment, comprising: (a) a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves; (b) a retractable hood attached by stitching to said garment body; (c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous enclosed surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom edge attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of the circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a second position; and (d) wherein said stretchable tubular collar has at least one zipper extending along a vertical path from a first position to a second position, so that said stretchable tubular collar is in an first position when said zipper is in a first position, and said stretchable tubular collar is in a second position when said zipper is in a second position, and wherein said first position of said zipper is different than said second position of said zipper.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein said first position of said zipper is selected from a group consisting of an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position.
 3. The garment of claim 1, wherein said second position of said zipper is selected from a group consisting of an open position, an intermediate position, and a closed position.
 4. The garment of claim 1, wherein said first position of said zipper is selected from a group consisting of an upper edge of said tubular collar, a lower edge of said tubular collar, an intermediate position along said tubular collar, an upper edge of said body portion, a lower edge of said body portion, and an intermediate position along said body portion.
 5. The garment of claim 1, wherein said second position of said zipper is selected from a group consisting of an upper edge of said tubular collar, a lower edge of said tubular collar, an intermediate position along said tubular collar, an upper edge of said body portion, a lower edge of said body portion, and an intermediate position along said body portion.
 6. The garment of claim 1, wherein said sleeve has a stretchable cuff.
 7. The garment of claim 1, wherein the material for said garment is selected from a group consisting of a wool material, a cotton material, a nylon-type material, a fire-retardant material, a moisture absorbing material, a synthetic material, and a fleece material.
 8. The garment of claim 1, where the material for said stretchable tubular collar is different than the material for said retractable hood.
 9. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one pocket.
 10. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one pocket and wherein said pocket has at least one re-closeable means, and wherein said re-closeable means is selected from a group consisting of a zip, a Velcro, a snap-type button, and a slider.
 11. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one drawstring, and wherein said drawstring adjustably opens and closes a portion of said retractable hood.
 12. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment has at least one drawstring, and wherein said drawstring adjustably opens and closes a portion of said garment.
 13. The garment of claim 1, wherein said stretchable tubular collar is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck of a wearer.
 14. The garment of claim 1, wherein said stretchable tubular collar is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck and at least a portion of the face of a wearer while said retractable hood is extended over a user's head.
 15. The garment of claim 1, wherein said stretchable tubular collar is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of the neck and at least a portion of the face of a wearer while said retractable hood is retracted from a user's head.
 16. The garment of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of said retractable hood is attached to the garment body along the entire neck opening.
 17. The garment of claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of said stretchable tubular collar is attached to the garment body along the entire neck opening.
 18. The garment of claim 1, wherein said zipper is attached along the entire vertical length of said tubular collar.
 19. The garment of claim 1, wherein said zipper is attached along the entire vertical length of said tubular collar, and as well as along at least a portion of said garment body.
 20. A hooded sweatshirt, comprising: (a) a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves; (b) a retractable hood, adapted to be worn over a user's head, attached by stitching to the garment body; (c) a stretchable tubular collar having a continuous enclosed surface for engaging the neck of a wearer and a bottom edge attached to the garment body along a substantial portion of the circumference of the bottom edge, said tubular collar having a sufficient height to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a first position and to cover at least a portion of a wearer's neck in a second position; and (d) wherein said stretchable tubular collar has at least one zipper extending along a vertical path from a first position to a second position, so that said stretchable tubular collar is in an first position when said zipper is in a first position, and said stretchable tubular collar is in a second position when said zipper is in a second position, and wherein said first position of said zipper is different than said second position of said zipper. 